After launching a book club to stay connected with others during the pandemic, a former lawyer is celebrating two years of success at her thriving independent bookshop.
Elaine Sinclair opened Daydreams Bookshop in Milngavie on September 14, 2024, after leaving a 15-year career in law, and says she has never looked back.
Now marking the shop's second anniversary, Elaine believes its success is built on creating a welcoming community space for readers of all ages.
"I'm so happy with what we have achieved in the last two years, and I feel we're building towards something bigger," she said.
She added: "We've seen a big increase in footfall this year and have so many regulars who are genuinely happy that we're here.
"Some people come in because they want somewhere safe to sit and chat. Sometimes, we might be the only person they've spoken to that day."
The bookshop's story began in 2021 when Elaine launched The Bonnie Wee Book Club after being furloughed during the Covid pandemic.
"We met online every month,” she said.
She continued: “It started with friends and family, but it grew steadily. It was a lovely way to connect with people and encourage reading.”
As the club continued to grow, Elaine became increasingly dissatisfied with her corporate career.
She said: "My brother, who is very entrepreneurial, suggested opening a bookshop.
"I moved between different companies trying to find one that suited me and worked well around my children, but it no longer aligned with my values.
"Eventually, I reached the end of my tether. There hadn't been a bookshop in Milngavie for about 10 years, despite the town having one for decades. I went to high school in the area and wanted to bring something back to the community.
"I quit my job, got a loan and opened the bookshop in September 2024. Two years later, we're still here."
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The shop has filled a gap in the town since the closure of Milngavie's previous bookshop years ago. Daydreams Bookshop is the only dedicated bookstore in the town.
The shop offers a range of non-fiction books and fiction books across genres like fantasy, contemporary and romance.
There is also a selection of children and young adult books, new hardbacks, and classics – some with limited edition designs.
Since opening, Elaine has focused not only on selling books but also on encouraging young people to read and making the shop a hub for literary events.
"We work with local high schools and have launched a young adult book club, which is already full and has a waiting list," she said.
"Our priority is teenagers because that's often when reading levels begin to drop.
"We're working with a local English teacher to run the book club, and everything is free thanks to Penguin funding. Young people receive a free book, snacks and drinks. We want to remove any financial barriers and make it as attractive as possible.
"We want to remove any financial barriers and make it as attractive as possible."
The shop is also helping inspire young readers through its Birthday Box scheme where children can collect a free new book during their birthday month.
Any surplus books are donated to Babes in the Wood, a Bishopbriggs charity supporting vulnerable families and Women's Aid groups.
"We want everybody to benefit from the project, not just local children," Elaine said.
Explaining why reading remains so important, she added: "Reading helps children develop empathy, kindness and creativity. Most parents want those qualities in their children.
"We could probably do with a new generation of readers who grow up to be kinder people running the world."
Meanwhile, the book club that inspired the business is still going strong, and Daydreams also hosts regular author events, with Peter James and Sophie Gravia among the writers set to appear in the coming months.
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Just four months after opening, Daydreams won the National Book Tokens Best Newcomer Award. The shop has also been shortlisted for Independent Bookshop of the Year.
Daydreams Bookshop can be found 38 Stewart Street, Milngavie, G62 6BW.
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